Adjustable desk chair

ABSTRACT

An adjustable chair comprising a seat part, a seat back disposed along one side of the seat part, the seat back being configured for supporting at least a person&#39;s back or shoulders, a chair base configured for being placed on a floor, at least one adjustable chair feature including a motor capable of being selectively controlled and driven so as to adjust at least one of: the rotation or tilt of the seat part, a vertical distance between the seat back and the one side of the seat part, an angle position between the seat back and the seat part, and a distance between the chair base and the seat part.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/031,743, filed on Sep. 24, 2020, which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/905,173, filed on Sep. 24, 2019, theentirety of each of which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an adjustable chair with a number ofadjustable features so as to provide an automated adjustable seatingposition for a user. In some instances, the seating position may beautomatically adjusted throughout the day so as to provide changedseating positions that promote movement and improve posture. In someinstances, the seating position(s) may be established according to “bestpractice” positions established by medical professionals which areautomatically communicated to the adjustable chair so as to move theuser to new and proposer posture positions throughout the day.

BACKGROUND

Currently, there are a variety of office chairs or other chairsavailable. Many of these chairs offer some ability to change theirposition or height so as to provide a user with the most comfortableseating position. Despite these options, users typically find thatensuring a comfortable configuration of an adjustable chair is a tediousprocess, requiring excessive manual adjustment and readjustment. Assuch, there is a need for an efficient and elegant adjustable chair thatwill provide increased adjustability and personalization in an efficientand user-friendly manner.

Further, another difficulty with adjustable chairs is that thedifficulty and tedious nature of adjusting the chairs discourages usersfrom making adjustments throughout a workday. Rather, users are likelyto set an a single “ideal” chair setting, often at the time that theyinitially use the chair, and use that single setting for a large periodof time. This discourages the movement and constant movement thatpromotes proper back health. Further, most users do not know whichsettings would most likely lead to improved postures and best practices.

The subject matter claimed in the present disclosure is not limited toembodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only inenvironments such as those described above. Rather, this background isonly provided to illustrate one example technology area where someembodiments described in the present disclosure may be practiced.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the invention, an adjustable chair isdescribed. The adjustable chair includes a seat part, a seat backdisposed along one side of the seat part, the seat back being configuredfor supporting at least a person's back or shoulders, a chair baseconfigured for being placed on a floor, at least one adjustable chairfeature including a motor capable of being selectively controlled anddriven so as to adjust at least one of: the rotation or tilt of the seatpart, a vertical distance between the seat back and the one side of theseat part, an angle position between the seat back and the seat part,and a distance between the chair base and the seat part.

Another aspect of the invention is an adjustable chair comprising a seatpart, a seat back disposed along one side of the seat part, the seatback being configured for supporting at least a person's back orshoulders, a chair base configured for being placed on a floor, and alinear actuator connected at one end to the chair base and to the seatpart, the linear actuator comprising a motor, an inner locking guide, amiddle locking guide, and an outer locking guide, wherein the linearactuator moves between an expanded and collapsed state as the motor isdriven so as to increase and decrease a distance between the seat partand the chair base, and wherein the inner locking guide, middle lockingguide, and outer locking guide are configured so as to prevent rotationwith respect to each other as the motor is driven.

A third aspect of the invention is a linear actuator comprising a motor,an inner locking guide, a middle locking guide, and an outer lockingguide, wherein the linear actuator moves between an expanded andcollapsed state as the motor is driven so as to increase and decrease adistance between distal ends of the inner locking guide and the outerlocking guide, and wherein the inner locking guide, middle lockingguide, and outer locking guide are configured so as to prevent rotationwith respect to each other as the motor is driven.

The objects and advantages of the embodiments will be realized andachieved at least by the elements, features, and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the claims.

Both the foregoing general description and the following detaileddescription are given as examples and are explanatory and are notrestrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIGS. 1A-1E and 2A-2E illustrate various aspects of a linear actuatoraccording to some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate an adjustable chair according to some embodimentsof the invention which includes a number of adjustable features;

FIGS. 4A-4D and 5A-5D illustrate the adjustable lumbar feature of theadjustable chair according to some aspects of the invention;

FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate the adjustable chair back angle feature of theadjustable chair according to some aspects of the invention;

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate the adjustable seat cushion feature of theadjustable chair according to some aspects of the invention;

FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate the adjustable footrest feature of the adjustablechair according to some aspects of the invention; and

FIG. 9 illustrates the ability for a user to operate various adjustablefeatures of the adjustable chair via a user device connected to acontroller of the adjustable chair via a network according to someembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments discussed in the present disclosure are related to anadjustable chair that includes a number of different adjustable featuresso as to provide a customizable seat. More specifically, embodimentsdescribed herein are directed to an adjustable chair that includesindividually customizable components which may include a linear actuatorfor controlling the height adjustment of the chair with respect to thefloor, an adjustable lumbar portion, a chair back configured with anadjustable back with respect to a seat cushion, and/or an adjustableseat cushion which is configured to be adjusted up, down, or tilted withrespect to a horizontal axis. Finally, in some embodiments describedherein, a motor control associated with each of the linear actuator,adjustable lumbar portion, adjustable chair back, and adjustable seatcushion may be controlled by a programmable interface so as to provide auser with a user interface for controlling each of these aspects via anelectronic device, such as a smart phone or other user device. Further,using a memory associated with the device or the controller(s), thecontroller in some embodiments may associate a user with a personalprofile so as to save their preferred chair position, which may then beused to adjust the chair automatically at, for example, different timesof day and/or for a plurality of users. In some instances, the device orcontroller may also be in communication with an application which mayinclude “best practice” positions established by, for example, a medicalprofessional or other expert who may establish or recommend settingswhich help consistently and correctly adjust the various adjustablefeatures of the adjustable chair into positions which promote backhealth and posture. In some instances, a user may use a device, such asa cellular phone, including an application operating on the cellularphone to have at least some portion of the “best practice” positionsautomatically implemented.

As may be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, embodimentsdescribed herein may include any number or combination of the adjustablefeatures described below and the individually adjustable features aredescribed herein for illustrative purposes only.

Linear Actuator

Typically, a linear actuator is used to position two parts with respectto each other. Generally, linear actuators include a motor, a nut, and athreaded rod, with the nut and the threaded rod forming a screwmechanism. Using the control motor, the relative positions of two partsof the screw mechanism can be controlled. By attaching the nut to onepart being controlled and the threaded rod to the other part beingcontrolled, it is possible to use some means, such as the motor, to turnthe nut, causing the threaded rod moves inside of the nut. If the twoparts are constrained so that the two parts cannot rotate with respectto each other, driving the motor and causing the threaded rod to moveinside of the nut in turn causes the two parts move with respect to oneanother.

One example of an application of a linear actuator is used to controlair surfaces on an airplane wing. The lift requirement for a wing duringlanding and takeoff is much different than the air surface requiredduring normal flight after the aircraft has gained sufficient velocityand elevation. To accommodate this difference, a linear actuator is usedto insert more lifting surface during takeoff and landing into the wing.Conversely, during normal flight, the linear actuator causes a reductionin the amount of lifting surface.

FIGS. 1A-1E and 2A-2E illustrate various aspects of a linear actuatoraccording to some embodiments. As may be understood, one aspect of thisinvention is the ability to control the relative positions of two partsof an adjustable chair using three nut and screw combinations. Thebenefit of using more than one screw and nut combination is the abilityto make the actuator smaller, resulting in an actuating mechanism whichis more compact. This is of great benefit for controlling the heightadjustment for a chair with respect to the floor. Some embodiments ofthe invention could also be used outside of a chair environment in otherlinear actuator applications where a smaller package is required ordesirable.

FIGS. 1A-1E and 2A-2E illustrate the linear actuator 250 according toone aspect of the invention. FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate a configurationwhere the linear actuator 250 is in a collapsed position. FIGS. 2A-2Eillustrate a configuration where the linear actuator 250 is in anextended position. In the configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E and2A-2E illustrate the linear actuator 250 being used in an adjustablechair 100, although other applications of the linear actuator 250 may beused. Turning briefly to FIG. 3A, the adjustable chair 100 may includefor example, a chair base 150, which may comprise a variety ofconfigurations, including any number of support structures, whichincludes in some instances, wheels 151 which enable the adjustable chair100 to be moved along a floor or other surface. In the Figures includedherein, the wheels 151 comprise castor wheels although it should beunderstood that other configurations may be used without departing fromthe scope of the invention. As is shown in FIG. 3A, the adjustable chairmay also include an adjustable lumbar support 300, an adjustable cushion500, and an adjustable seat back 550, each of which will be described ingreater detail below.

FIGS. 1A-1B and 1E illustrate the linear actuator 250 as attached to thecushion 500 and the chair base 150. FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate variouscomponents of the linear actuator 250 generally, including a motor 200,an inner locking guide 224, a middle locking guide 212, and an outerlocking guide 210. FIGS. 1C and 2E illustrate some of the means by whichthe inner locking guide 224 and motor 200 are mounted to the cushion 500portion of the adjustable chair 100. FIGS. 2C and 2D illustrate some ofthe interior connections between the inner locking guide 224, the middlelocking guide 212, and the outer locking guide 210. FIG. 1D illustratesthe connection between the outer locking guide 210 and the chair base150.

FIG. 1C illustrates the manner in which the inner locking guide 224 isconnected to a chair platform 165. As may be understood, the innerlocking guide 224 is attached to the chair platform 165 such that thelinear actuator 250 rotates with the adjustable chair 100. This preventsany adjustment from taking effect in the linear actuator 250 when aperson sitting in the adjustable chair 100 rotates the adjustable chair100 with respect to the chair base 150. As is shown in FIG. 2E, a thrustbearing 208 is positioned so as to accommodate the vertical loads aswell as allowing the linear actuator 250 to rotate with respect to thechair base 150. Thus, any rotation of the seat with respect to the chairbase 150 does not adjust the height of the linear actuator 250.

The linear actuator 250 includes a motor 200, a driving gear 202 and adriven gear 204, which in turn cause a drive shaft 206 to rotate. As maybe understood, by rotating the drive shaft 206 while controlling theposition of an inner screw 222, a middle screw 226, and an outer screwcomprising a portion of the inner locking guide 224. More particularly,one aspect of the invention is controlling the inner screw 222, middlescrew 226, and outer screw (included here as a portion of the innerlocking guide 224) can be controlled so that they do not rotate withrespect to each other. In this example, the inner screw 222 and outerscrew 224 are constrained from rotating using an outer circumference ofthe inner locking guide 224, middle locking guide 232, and outer lockingguide 210 comprising a square shape. As may be understood, the outercircumference of the inner locking guide 224, middle locking guide 232,and the outer locking guide 210 do not need to be square; they could beelliptical or any other shape that prevents rotation with respect toeach other and other elements of the linear actuator 250.

As is shown more clearly in FIG. 1D, it can be observed that the outerlocking guide 210 has a circular ring 270 at the bottom thereof whichattaches to the inner locking guide 224 when the in the non-extendedposition which constrains the two locking surfaces from rotatingtogether. Even though each of the inner locking guide 224, middlelocking guide 232, and outer locking guide 210 have a square outercircumference, the diameter of a support pocket 216 of the chair base150 is sufficient to allow the square elements to rotate inside thesupport pocket 216. The cover 214 shown in FIG. 1D is for decorativepurposes so, for example, people cannot see the voids between the squaretubes and the large cylinder. FIG. 1D also shows an inside guide 221which is attached with a screw and which gives the linear actuator 250vertical support to keep it erect and eliminate swaying.

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate the various components of the linear actuator 250in an extended position. The linear actuator 250 is controlled by amotor 200, which rotates a drive shaft 206, which in turn rotates themiddle screw 226 while keeping the inner screw 222 and outer screw 224locked from rotation. The middle screw 226 has an opposite thread on itsinterior and exterior surfaces. As such, by rotating the middle screw226, the inner locking guide 224 and the outer locking guide 210 move inopposite directions. Therefore, by changing the rotation direction ofthe motor 200, the linear actuator 250 can collapse or extend. As may beunderstood, by rotating the motor 200, the linear actuator 250 iscapable of performing a telescoping function, wherein the components ofthe linear actuator 250 slide into themselves into the compactedconfiguration shown in FIGS. 1A-1E and then are capable of expandinginto the expanded position shown in FIGS. 2A-2E.

In a typical linear actuator, which comprises only a nut and screw, thethread on the nut does not have to be as long as the thread on thescrew. In the embodiment described herein, the nut actually comprises apart of the screws; therefore, the part of the thread that is acting asthe nut does not have to be full length of the different parts. Thisallow for less expensive machining during fabrication. The nut functionis located on the inside of the different members thus making it easieror more economical to machine. Notice that the bottom screw has afull-length screw on the outside. The inner shaft has a short thread onthe inside of the middle screw 226 which acts as the nut. The middlescrew 226 has a full-length thread on the outside and a short thread onthe inside of the upper screw. This design will accommodate a fullextension and full collapse for the linear actuator 250 as well asproviding an infinite number of height positions for the chair.

The drive shaft 206 has a non-round shape which could be rectangular,square or oval so that it can rotate with respect to the inner lockingguide 224. As the linear actuator 250 either raises or lowers, the driveshaft 206 slides with respect to the inner locking guide 224. For thispresentation, the inner screw 222 and the inside guide 270 are combinedinto one part for convenience, but they would not have to be combined.Furthermore, in this embodiment the outer locking guide 210 and theouter screw are combined into a single part, but they also need not becombined.

In some embodiments, for the linear actuator 250 to operate properly,the inner screw 222 and the outer screw 224 must be locked together sothat they cannot rotate independently. To facilitate this there is amiddle locking guide 232 that telescopes with respect to the innerlocking guide 224 and outer locking guide 210. FIG. 2D illustrates howthe middle locking guide 232 is pulled up to maintain that lockingfunction.

As may be understood, one result of the embodiment described herein isthat the adjustable chair 100 can be design which has a normal heightfor a regular desk in an office and can be raised to accommodate ahigher desk. This particular design allows for a chair to be raised orlowered around 20 inches to accommodate the different desks in an officeenvironment. For example, the embodiments herein are capable ofadjusting so as to be used at both a sitting desk height in addition toa standing desk height. This is achieved by using a three-section linearactuator. In contrast, adjustable chairs which are currently known arecapable of adjustable of between 4-5 inches, and thus are not capable ofbeing used in both a sitting and a standing desk configuration.

As is described more fully below with respect to FIG. 9 , in someembodiments the linear actuator motor 200 described above may becontrolled by a controller 910 which is connected to the linear actuatormotor 200 by any number of mechanical or electrical means and which mayact to drive the linear actuator motor 200 so as to cause the linearactuator 250 to move between the collapsed and expanded position, so asto effectively and electronically cause the height of the chair seatwith respect to the floor to be adjusted. More particularly, as is shownin FIG. 9 , a user may use a user device 970 including, for example, anapplication 960 may cause a graphical user interface (GUI) 850 to bedisplayed to a user via a display 963 of the user device 970 whichallows the user to use GUI 950 to send communications with thecontroller 910 via, for example, a network 980 such as the internet orother communication network, including a Local-Area Network. In some thecommunication network may be a short-range wireless network such asBluetooth® or other means of communication. As is described more fullybelow, in some instances, the application 960 may also enable the userto create a user profile with preferred user preferences or “bestpractice” settings for back health and posture recommended by an expertand presented to the user and selected by the user via the application920. In such instances, the user is able to interact with the GUI 950 ofthe application 960 so as to cause the controller 910 to selectively orautomatically drive the linear actuator motor 200 according to userpreferences or “best practice” settings, which in turn causes the linearactuator to move between the collapsed and expanded position accordingto the user's instructions and preferences. In some instances, this userprofile may be stored in a memory 962 of the user device 970.Consequently, rather than requiring the user to readjust the chair eachtime, the user may create a user profile which is stored in the memory962 which may be used to communicate with the controller 910 andselectively drive the linear actuator motor 200 so as to automaticallyadjust the seat height of the adjustable chair 100 to the user'spreferred level. Further, the user profile may be customized in anynumber of ways, including, for example, enabling a user to havedifferent preferred settings at different times of the day.

As may be understood, by enabling the user to communicate with thecontroller 910 using a user device 970, embodiments herein allow theuser to adjust the adjustable chair 100 to their preferred settingswithout requiring the user to mechanically adjust it themselves.

Adjustable Lumbar Portion

FIGS. 3A-3D, FIGS. 4A-4D, and FIG. 5A-5D illustrate another adjustableaspect of the adjustable chair 100. More particularly, FIGS. 3A-3D,FIGS. 4A-4D, and FIG. 5A-5D illustrate an adjustable lumbar portion 300.FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate the lumbar portion 300 in a retracted position,whereas FIGS. 4A-4D illustrates the lumbar portion 300 in an extendedposition. As is illustrated in the Figures, the lumbar portion 300 canbe adjusted in and out from the back surface or a back support 380. Theamount of adjustment is measured from the lumbar portion 300 being flushwith the back support 380 of the adjustable chair 100 to protruding outfrom the back support 380. In one embodiment, the range of adjustabilityfor the lumbar portion 300 is up to four inches of total movement. Asmay be seen from FIGS. 3A-3D and 4A-3D, a lumbar adjustment motor 304and various control associated movement components, including a guide306, gears 308 and 310, a bearing 312, and a nut 314 may be used toposition the lumbar portion 300 at any position from zero to fourinches.

As is clearly shown in FIGS. 3D and 4D, the lumbar adjustment motor 304rotates a threaded shaft 302. The nut 314 is located in the lumbarportion 300. As the lumbar adjustment motor 304 rotates, the nut 314moves along the threaded shaft 302 which moves the lumbar portion 300with respect to the threaded shaft 302. The guide 306 keeps the lumbarportion 300 from rotating and allows the lumbar portion to move from theretracted to extended position.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate the ability of the lumbar portion 300 backportion 550 to be adjusted up and down from the cushion surface 500 byraising the back support 550 and lumbar portion 300 up and down withrespect to the cushion surface 500 along the back-support plate 380. Inthe embodiment shown herein, the vertical adjustment of the back support550 along with the lumbar section 300 is as much as four inches. Themovement mechanism for moving the back portion 550 and the lumbarportion 300 works the same way as the mechanism does on the in and outposition of the lumbar portion 300. A back support back support motor502 drives a pair of gears 504 and 506 which in turn drive a threadedshaft 508 and a nut 512 fastened to the back-support plate 380 moves upand down as the threaded shaft 508 is located. A guide 510 on thesurfaces of the back-support plate 380 both supports the back fromcollapsing and prevents it from rotating.

Similar to the features described above with respect to the linearactuator motor 200, as is shown in FIG. 9 , both the lumbar adjustmentmotor 304 and the back support motor 502 may also be connected andcontrolled by the controller 910, which may in turn be in communicationwith the application 960 of a user device 970 via the network 980. Assuch, the user may be able to selectively adjust the lumbar position andthe back support/lumbar height by interacting with the GUI 950. Moreparticularly, the user may use the GUI 950 to request adjustments of thelumbar position and back support/lumbar height, which are thencommunicated to the controller 910 via the network so as to selectivelydrive the lumbar adjustment motor 304 and the back support motor 502 soas to achieve the desired lumbar position and back support/lumbarheight. Further, as was previously described, the user may then savetheir preferences in a user profile that is then used to automaticallyreturn the adjustable chair 100 to their preferred settings atpredesignated times and/or each time the user logs into the application960. Alternatively, in another mode, pre-defined positions recommendedby a back health expert or professional may be designated as “bestpractices” recommendations, which have different settings for differenttimes of the day so as to consistently and correctly move the user tonew and proper positions throughout the day. As may be understood, insome instances, this may include a user using the application 960 to“opt-in” or select a “best practices” mode which in turn causes thecontroller 910 to automatically change the chair position to a varietyof recommended positions throughout the day.

Adjustable Angle of Chair Back

Pages 6A-6C illustrate another adjustable feature of the adjustablechair 100. More specifically, pages 6A-6C illustrate the ability of theback portion 550 to rotate 15 degrees away from the vertical directionwith respect to the seat cushion 500. As can be observed in detail inFIGS. 6C, the adjustment of the back portion 550 is performed by a backangle motor 602 which drives a driving gear 604, a driven gear 606. Thedriven gear 606 in turn drives a threaded shaft and nut 608 which areattached at 622 to the back-support plate 380. As the back angle motor602 is driven, the back portion 500 rotates above the pivot point 620.In one embodiment, the back angle motor 602 can be controlled so thatany amount of adjustment can be accommodated from zero to 15 degrees.

Similar to the features described above with respect to the linearactuator motor 200, the lumbar adjustment motor 304, and the backsupport motor 502, as is shown in FIG. 9 , both the back angle motor 602may also be connected and controlled by the controller 910, which may inturn be in communication with the application 960 of a user device 970via the network 980. As such, in some instances, the user may be able toselectively adjust the angle of the seat back with respect to the floorby interacting with the GUI 950. More particularly, the user may use theGUI 950 to request adjustment of the angle of the seat back with respectto the floor, which request is then communicated to the controller 910via the network 980 so as to selectively drive the back angle motor 602so as to achieve the desired effect. Further, the preferred seat backangle may be saved in the user profile so as to automatically adjust theadjustable chair 100 according to the user's preferences.

In the “best practices” mode, the application 960 may cause thecontroller 910 to automatically adjust the adjustable chair 100according to recommended settings which promote posture and back health.

Adjustable Seat Cushion

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate another adjustable aspect of the adjustable chair100. More specifically, FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate the ability of the seatcushion 500 to be rotated in up or down or to be tilted with respect toa horizontal axis. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C, thecurrent design allows for the cushion to be rotated 15 degrees down. Asshown in the detail in FIGS. 7C, the rotation of the seat cushion isenabled by use of a seat rotation motor 702, connected to a driving gear704, which in turn drives a driven gear 706, connected to a threadedshaft and nut 708, which are connected to an attach point 710. As themotor 702 is driven the seat cushion 500 rotates around a pivot point712 to a desired degree of rotation. According to the embodimentsdescribed herein, the chair seat is capable of tilting a variety ofdifferent directions, including forward.

As is shown in FIG. 9 , the seat rotation motor 702 may also beconnected and controlled by the controller 910, which may in turn be incommunication with the application 960 of a user device 970 via thenetwork 980. As such, the user may be able to selectively adjust thedegree of seat rotation by interacting with the GUI 950. Moreparticularly, the user may use the GUI 950 to request an adjustment ofthe seat rotation, which are then communicated to the controller 910 viathe network so as to selectively drive the seat rotation motor 702 so asto achieve the desired seat rotation position. Further, as waspreviously described, the user may then save their preferences in a userprofile that is then used to automatically return the adjustable chair100 to their preferred settings at predesignated times and/or each timethe user logs into the application 960, or in the “best practices” mode,a series of recommended settings established by a medical professionalor expert communicated to the application 960 or otherwise establishedat the application 960 may then be communicated to the controller 910 soas to create a series of recommended settings which promote back healthand posture and which are then communicated to the controller 910 toautomatically adjust the adjustable chair 100 according to therecommended settings.

Adjustable Footrest

In some configurations, the adjustable chair 100 may also include afootrest. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, the adjustable chair100 includes an adjustable footrest 800. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 8A-8B, the adjustable footrest 800 includes a stationary part 820which is attached to a housing that supports the seat cushion 500. Asthe seat cushion 500 is moved up and down along with the movement of thelinear actuator 250, the stationary part 820 moves with and inassociation with the seat cushion 500. In some instances, this mayinclude a range of up to 20 inches. In addition to the stationary part820, the adjustable footrest 800 includes a sliding assembly 810 whichis capable of sliding with respect to the stationary part 820. A pin 880may be used to extend through a portion of the sliding assembly 810 toextend through a slot 825 in the stationary part 820 so as to fix thesliding assembly 810 to the stationary part 820. The pin 880 may bepositioned in a plurality of holes in the sliding assembly 810 toestablish a distance between a footrest portion 850 with respect to theseat cushion 500. In instances where a user does not want to use afootrest 800, the pin 880 may be removed so as to enable the slidingassembly 810 to be removed with respect to the stationary part 820.

To prevent the footrest 800 assembly from hitting the floor duringadjustment, a tab 840 may be included on the linear actuator 250 so asto come into contact with a corresponding structure on the slidingassembly. In some instances, the corresponding structure of the slidingassembly may comprise a tab, protrusion, or any number ofconfigurations.

Programmable Motor Control

Another adjustable aspect of some embodiments described herein is theability of all of the motor controls 200, 304, 502, 602, and 702 to becontrolled by a programmable interface, such as a graphic user interface850 operating on a user device 970 such that a user is able to provideenhanced control and feedback which allows the exact position for theamount of adjustment. In one embodiment, the motor controls 200, 304,502, 602, and 702 are also designed to be adjusted or controlled via acell phone and may be associated with a program, such as an application960, that allows a user to create a profile that may be stored in amemory 962. For one example, a user may store a personal profile whichcauses the adjustable chair 100 to be adjusted to a preferred or presetposition or configuration profile corresponding to a preferred chairposition or configuration at various times of the day or to beautomatically adjusted according to a daily or other time-basedparameter. This feature allows the chair to have preset conditions forindividual users.

In another configuration, the adjustable chair 100 is capable of havinga program which stores the positions in conjunction with a movable deskheight. Additionally, in order to promote proper back health, theadjustable chair 100 is capable of moving according to a predefined“Best Practice” preset according to a configuration as best determinedby experts or other specialists who are commissioned to design a seatconfiguration which would most advantage the user. As such, a user mayuse the application 960 to select a “Best Practice” preset, the presetcomprising a single or series of seating positions established by amedical or other professional which promote back health and properposture. In some instances, the “Best Practice” preset may havedifferent positions at different times of the day or for differentdurations of time. Consequently, by selecting the “Best Practice”setting, the adjustable chair 100 may then automatically be adjustedthroughout the users day or over use without requiring any additionalaction by the user.

This feature also allows a program to be written which can automaticallyvary the positions of the chair at different time intervals. Thedifferent positions provide relief and rest for a person's back duringthe day. Thus, eliminating pain and stiffness from sitting in a chairfor long periods of time. As may be understood, by combining all of themotor driven controls along with the ability to program movements atdifferent times during the day is not presently available in adjustablechairs which are currently known in the art.

In some configurations, the user may create, monitor, or modify the userprofile which controls the memory where the adjustable chair 100configurations are stored via a variety of computer programapplications, including an application which may be installed andcontrolled on and via the user device, such as a cellular phone or otherportable computing device. In some configurations, this may also allowthe creation of multiple user profiles which can be pre-set or saved,for example, so two different persons using the chair can instantlycommand adjustment to their preset settings. As such, the chair mayadjust the position by a user interacting with the adjustable chair 100via a cellular phone to indicate that they will be using the adjustablechair 100 instead of another user.

In some configurations, the controller 810 may also comprise a series ofswitches or other manual controls which may be used by the user tomanually adjust the chair. In some instances, these switches may bedisposed on the adjustable chair 100. As may be understood, the switchesof the controller 810 in this configuration may be able to manuallycontrol some or all the motors 200, 304, 502, 602, and 702. This manualcontrol may be used in association with or in place of the remotecontrol configuration described above.

As used in the present disclosure, the terms “module” or “component” mayrefer to specific hardware implementations configured to perform theactions of the module or component and/or software objects or softwareroutines that may be stored on and/or executed by general purposehardware (e.g., computer-readable media, processing devices, etc.) ofthe computing system. In some embodiments, the different components,modules, engines, and services described in the present disclosure maybe implemented as objects or processes that execute on the computingsystem (e.g., as separate threads). While some of the system and methodsdescribed in the present disclosure are generally described as beingimplemented in software (stored on and/or executed by general purposehardware), specific hardware implementations or a combination ofsoftware and specific hardware implementations are also possible andcontemplated. In the present disclosure, a “computing entity” may be anycomputing system as previously defined in the present disclosure, or anymodule or combination of modulates running on a computing system.

Terms used in the present disclosure and especially in the appendedclaims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as“open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as“including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpretedas “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as“includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).

Additionally, if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation isintended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and inthe absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example,as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may containusage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” tointroduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should notbe construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by theindefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containingsuch introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one suchrecitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases“one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or“an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one”or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articlesused to introduce claim recitations.

In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitationis explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that suchrecitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number(e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without othermodifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, and C, etc.” or “one or more of A, B, and C, etc.” isused, in general such a construction is intended to include A alone, Balone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, orA, B, and C together, etc.

Further, any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or morealternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings,should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including oneof the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, thephrase “A or B” should be understood to include the possibilities of “A”or “B” or “A and B.”

All examples and conditional language recited in the present disclosureare intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understandingthe invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furtheringthe art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to suchspecifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments ofthe present disclosure have been described in detail, various changes,substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. An adjustable chair comprising: a chair base; aseat part supported by the chair base; a seat back attached to the seatpart, the seat back extending substantially vertically with respect tothe seat back; and a motor configured to selectively adjust a verticaldistance between a portion of the seat back and the seat part, such thatthe portion of the seat back is adjustable so as to incrementally adjustin a vertical direction with respect to the seat part.
 22. Theadjustable chair of claim 21, wherein the motor is controlled and causedto be driven via a controller capable of communicating with anelectronic device of a user via a network connection, the controllercausing the motor to be driven so as to adjust at the least one of: arotation or tilt of the seat part, a vertical distance between the seatback and the seat part, an angle position between the seat back and ahorizontal axis, and a distance between the chair base and the seat partaccording to a chair setting profile set by the electronic device. 23.The adjustable chair of claim 22, wherein the electronic device is asmart phone capable of communicating with the controller via a networkconnection.
 24. The adjustable chair of claim 21, further comprising: aseat rotation motor, which causes the seat part to rotate with respectto a horizontal axis.
 25. The adjustable chair of claim 21, furthercomprising: a seat back adjustment motor which causes the seat back torotate with respect to a horizontal axis so as to form an acute orobtuse angle with respect to the horizontal axis.
 26. The adjustablechair of claim 21, wherein the motor is configured to make selectiveadjustments according to preset adjustment settings at preset timeintervals.
 27. The adjustable chair of claim 26, wherein the presetadjustment settings comprise different settings for different durationsor different times of a day.
 28. An adjustable chair comprising: a chairbase; a seat part supported by the chair base; a seat back attached tothe seat part, the seat back extending substantially vertically withrespect to the seat back; a lumbar support attached to the seat part; afirst motor configured to selectively adjust a vertical distance betweena portion of the seat back and the seat part, such that the portion ofthe seat back is adjustable so as to incrementally adjust in a verticaldirection with respect to the seat part; and a second motor configuredto selectively adjust the lumbar support so as to incrementally protrudein a horizontal direction with respect to the seat part.
 29. Theadjustable chair of claim 28, wherein the motor is controlled and causedto be driven via a controller capable of communicating with anelectronic device of a user via a network connection, the controllercausing the motor to be driven so as to adjust at the least one of: arotation or tilt of the seat part, a vertical distance between the seatback and the seat part, an angle position between the seat back and ahorizontal axis, and a distance between the chair base and the seat partaccording to a chair setting profile set by the electronic device. 30.The adjustable chair of claim 29, wherein the electronic device is asmart phone capable of communicating with the controller via a networkconnection.
 31. The adjustable chair of claim 28, further comprising: aseat rotation motor, which causes the seat part to rotate with respectto a horizontal axis.
 32. The adjustable chair of claim 28, furthercomprising: a seat back adjustment motor which causes the seat back torotate with respect to a horizontal axis so as to form an acute orobtuse angle with respect to the horizontal axis.
 33. The adjustablechair of claim 28, wherein the motor is configured to make selectiveadjustments according to preset adjustment settings at preset timeintervals.
 34. The adjustable chair of claim 33, wherein the presetadjustment settings comprise different settings for different durationsor different times of a day.
 35. An adjustable chair comprising: a chairbase; a seat part supported by the chair base; a seat back attached tothe seat part, the seat back extending substantially vertically withrespect to the seat back; a motor capable of being selectivelycontrolled and driven so as to adjust at least one of: a rotation ortilt of the seat part, a vertical distance between the seat back and theone side of the seat part, an angle position between the seat back and ahorizontal axis, and a distance between the chair base and the seatpart; wherein the motor is controlled and caused to be driven via acontroller, wherein the controller is capable of driving the motor so asto adjust the at least one of the rotation or tilt of the seat part, theposition of the seat back, the angle position between the seat back andthe horizontal axis, and the distance between the chair base and theseat part according to preset adjustment settings at preset timeintervals.
 36. The adjustable chair of claim 35, wherein the controlleris capable of communicating with an electronic device of a user via anetwork connection.
 37. The adjustable chair of claim 36, wherein theelectronic device is a smart phone capable of communicating with thecontroller via a network connection.
 38. The adjustable chair of claim35, further comprising: a seat rotation motor, which causes the seatpart to rotate with respect to a horizontal axis.
 39. The adjustablechair of claim 35, further comprising: a seat back adjustment motorwhich causes the seat back to rotate with respect to a horizontal axisso as to form an acute or obtuse angle with respect to the horizontalaxis.
 40. The adjustable chair of claim 35, wherein the motor isconfigured to make selective adjustments according to preset adjustmentsettings at preset time intervals.
 41. The adjustable chair of claim 35,wherein the preset adjustment settings comprise different settings fordifferent durations or different times of a day.